NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation Act of 2024

This bill establishes an Office of Public Engagement and Participation within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to support public participation in NRC proceedings, provide guidance and financial assistance to participants, and create an Intervenor Trust Fund for compensating eligible participants.

Sec. 2, Office of Public Engagement and Participation: The NRC must create this office within 180 days of enactment. It defines key terms like 'participant,' 'significant financial hardship,' and 'substantial contribution.' The office is led by a Director appointed by the Chair with Commission approval, serving a 5-year term (max 2 terms), who reports to the full Commission but not to any individual member or staff.

The office's functions include supporting public participation in proceedings, serving as a liaison for public interest advocates, providing educational and technical guidance, coordinating financial assistance, increasing virtual attendance opportunities, implementing environmental justice recommendations, and facilitating transparency.

The bill establishes a compensation system where the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel, consulting the office, can pay reasonable attorney's fees, expert witness fees, and other costs to participants who show significant financial hardship and likely substantial contribution. The Commission must issue rules within 180 days, including processes for eligibility determination and up-front grants. Compensation is not affected by the proceeding's outcome, and participants can appeal decisions to the Commission.

The Director must submit annual reports to Congress detailing requests for assistance, common public difficulties, compensation accounting, and activities related to environmental justice recommendations.

The bill creates an Intervenor Trust Fund administered by the office and Panel, used solely for compensation. It authorizes necessary appropriations and allows fund transfers from other accounts. The bill does not reduce existing public engagement standards and directs the NRC to use existing legal authorities where possible.